MXPA05001155A

MXPA05001155A - Packing machine, packing method, and packing system.

Info

Publication number: MXPA05001155A
Application number: MXPA05001155A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Akira Asahina
Original assignee: Ishida Seisakusho
Priority date: 2002-07-30
Filing date: 2003-07-28
Publication date: 2005-09-12
Also published as: CN100509564C; AU2003252279B8; DE03771392T1; US20060162290A1; US7313901B2; AU2003252279B2; JPWO2004011334A1; EP1538082A4; KR20050028041A; WO2004011334A1; CN1671595A; EP1538082A1; AU2003252279A1

Abstract

A packing machine (1) capable of adjusting with a simple structure the thickness of a package body. The packing machine (1) is a packing machine for producing a package body (B) in which an article to be packed, such as food, and gas is sealed and is provided with a cooling portion (6). The cooling portion (6) cools gas that is sent to a tubular film (F) formed in a bag-like form. The packing machine (1) produces the package body (B) where gas having a lower temperature than an outside air temperature and an article to be packed.

Description

MACHINE, METHOD AND PACKAGING SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a packaging apparatus, a packaging method, and a packaging system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are packaging apparatuses that fill and pack articles to be packaged, such as food products, in flexible packaging material. For example, in a vertical support-type packaging apparatus, a former tubularly forms flexible packaging material such as a sheet film, and a longitudinal sealing mechanism seals (thermosets) the overlapping vertical edges of the tubular packaging material. In addition, the items to be packaged are fed into the tubular packaging material through a tube, a transverse sealing mechanism arranged below the tube is transversely sealed through the upper part of the bag and the lower part of the bag subsequent, after which a cutter cuts the center of the transverse seal portion. In this way, the vertical support type packaging apparatus produces a package in which the items to be packaged are sealed. In such packaging apparatus, there are cases in Ref. 161521 which the container is filled with gas, such as nitrogen or argon, together with the items to be packed to preserve the items that are packaged. Furthermore, in such a case, the thickness of the container is often adjusted from a convenience standpoint in the packaging of the boxes in boxes. For example, the packaging apparatus described in Japanese Published Patent Application No. 11-171110 is provided with an air outlet plate, and the thickness of the container that is manufactured is adjusted by the air outlet plate by partially removing the gas pressing on both sides of the packaging material.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION However, in the aforementioned type of packaging apparatus, a mechanism is needed to remove the gas, such as the air outlet plate and a mechanism that adjusts the position of the air outlet plate. Accordingly, this tends to further complicate the structure of the packaging apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a packaging apparatus which, with a simple configuration, can adjust the thickness of a container. The packaging apparatus as recited in claim 1 is a packaging apparatus that produces a package in which an article to be packaged and a gas are sealed. in a flexible packaging material, wherein the package is manufactured in which an inert gas, which is the gas having a lower temperature than the outside air, and a food product, which is the article to be packaged, are sealed. In this packaging apparatus, a package is manufactured in which a gas having a temperature different from the outside air and the articles to be packaged are sealed. Accordingly, the thickness of the container can be adjusted by expanding or contracting the sealed air, which is affected by the temperature of the outside air. For example, if the temperature of the sealed gas is lower than the outside air, the temperature of the gas rises with the passage of time. In addition, the thickness of the container can be increased by expanding the gas. Conversely, if the temperature of the sealed gas is greater than the outside air, the temperature of the gas drops with the passage of time. In addition, the thickness of the container can be reduced by reducing the volume of the gas. Accordingly, according to this packaging apparatus, the thickness of a container can be adjusted by adjusting the temperature of the sealed gas. Therefore, according to this packaging apparatus, the thickness of the bag can be adjusted with a simple configuration. In addition, the means for making the temperature of the sealed gas a temperature that differs from the outside air is not limited to a medium wherein the temperature of the sealed gas is adjusts directly to a temperature that differs from outside air, and includes a medium that indirectly adjusts the temperature of the gas by transmitting to the sealed gas the temperature of the flexible packaging material, the article to be packed, and similar, adjusting this temperature. The packaging apparatus as recited in claim 2 is the packaging apparatus as recited in claim 1, comprising a unit that modifies the temperature of the gas that changes a temperature of a gas. In this packaging apparatus, a package can be manufactured, wherein a gas having a temperature different from the outside air is sealed, by the unit that modifies the temperature of the gas by changing the temperature of the gas. Accordingly, the thickness of the container can be adjusted by expanding or contracting the sealed gas, which is affected by the temperature of the outside air. Therefore, according to this packaging apparatus, the thickness of the bag can be adjusted with a simple configuration by changing the temperature of the gas. The packaging apparatus as recited in claim 3 is the packaging apparatus as recited in claim 1, comprising the unit that modifies the temperature of the gas that changes the temperature of the gas by changing the temperature of the article to be packaged. In this packaging apparatus, the temperature of the gas It can be changed indirectly by changing the temperature of the items to be packed, which are the objective objects to be packed. For example, if the items to be packaged are cooled and sealed together with the gas, then the gas, which is affected by the temperature of the items to be packaged, cools. In addition, the thickness of the package decreases because the volume of the cooled gas decreases. Accordingly, according to this packaging apparatus, the thickness of the container can be adjusted with a simple configuration by changing the temperature of the articles to be packaged. The packaging apparatus as recited in claim 4 is the packaging apparatus as recited in claim 1, comprising the unit that modifies the temperature of the gas that changes the temperature of the gas by changing the temperature of the flexible packaging material. In this packaging apparatus, the temperature of the gas can be changed indirectly by changing the temperature of the flexible packaging material. For example, if the flexible packaging material is cooled, then the internally sealed gas, which is affected by the temperature of the flexible packaging material, is cooled. Therefore, the thickness of the package decreases because the volume of the cooled gas decreases. Therefore, the thickness of the container can be adjusted with a simple configuration by changing the temperature of the flexible packaging material. The packaging apparatus as recited in claim 5 is the packaging apparatus as recited in claim 1, comprising an introduction unit and the unit that modifies the temperature of the gas. The introduction unit introduces the article to be packaged and the gas within the flexible packaging material. The unit that modifies the temperature of the gas changes the temperature of the gas by changing the temperature of the introduction unit. In this packaging apparatus, the unit that changes the temperature of the gas changes the temperature of the introduction unit. Because the gas is introduced into the flexible packaging material by the introduction unit, the temperature of the gas, which is affected by the temperature of the introduction unit when it is introduced, changes. Therefore, this packaging apparatus can manufacture a package in which a gas having a temperature different from the outside air is sealed. The packaging apparatus as recited in claim 6 is the packaging apparatus as recited in claim 1, comprising a forming unit and a unit that modifies the temperature of the gas. The forming unit tubularly forms the flexible packaging material, and introduces the article to be packaged and the gas into the flexible packaging material tubularly formed. The unit that modifies the temperature of the gas changes the temperature of the gas by changing the temperature of the formation unit. In this packaging apparatus, the unit that modifies the gas temperature changes the temperature of the forming unit. Because the gas is introduced into the flexible packaging material by the forming unit, the temperature of the gas, which is affected by the temperature of the forming unit, changes if the temperature of the forming unit changes. Therefore, this packaging apparatus can manufacture a package in which a gas having a temperature different from the outside air is sealed. The packaging apparatus as recited in claim 7 is the packaging apparatus as recited in any claim of claim 1 to claim 6, further comprising a control unit that controls the temperature and quantity of the gas. In this packaging apparatus, the control unit controls the temperature and amount of the gas sealed in the package. Accordingly, according to this packaging apparatus, the volume of the gas after expansion or contraction can be regulated automatically. Therefore, this packaging apparatus can automatically adjust the thickness of the container. The packaging apparatus as cited in the Claim 8 is the packaging apparatus as cited in any claim of claim 1 to claim 7, wherein the gas sealed within the flexible packaging material has a lower temperature than the outside air. In packaging apparatuses, it is often the case that a container is manufactured leaving some margin in the inflation of the container, without inflating the container to its maximum during its manufacture. This is because it is easier to manufacture a container if some margin is left in the inflation of the container. On the other hand, if some margin is left on the inflation of the container, there is a problem in which the inflation of the finished container is inadequate. However, in this packaging apparatus, the gas sealed in the flexible packaging material has a lower temperature than the outside air, and the temperature thereof therefore rises and the container expands with the passage of time. Accordingly, even if a small margin is left on inflation of the package during its manufacture, the package can be properly inflated by expanding the gas within the package after it is finished. Thus, according to this packaging apparatus, the package can be adequately inflated after manufacture while still making the package easy to manufacture. The packaging apparatus as cited in the Claim 9 is the packaging apparatus as recited in claim 8, further comprising a sealing unit and a pair of ironing parts. The sealing unit hermetically seals the flexible packaging material by sealing the tubularly formed flexible packaging material. The pair of ironing parts irons the portion of the flexible packaging material that is sealed, and the closeness thereof. In the packaging apparatus comprising ironing parts, the unfortunate entanglement of the articles to be packaged and the like in the portion to be sealed can be reduced by ironing the portion of the flexible packaging material to be sealed, etc. However, in this case, because a portion of the gas in the flexible packaging material unfortunately escapes due to ironing, it is often problematic to improperly inflate the package. However, in this packaging apparatus, because a container sealed with a gas having a lower temperature than the outside air is manufactured, the gas inside the container after manufacture expands, and the container can be adequately inflated yet if a portion of the gas escapes due to ironing. Therefore, in this packaging apparatus, the container can be properly inflated while reducing the incidence of unfortunate entanglement of the articles to be packaged and the like in the portion to be sealed, and the like. The packaging apparatus as recited in claim 10 is the packaging apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a conveying unit, a longitudinal sealing unit, an introduction unit, and a transverse sealing unit. The transport unit transports the tubularly formed flexible packaging material downwards. The longitudinal sealing unit seals a longitudinal edge, parallel to the transport direction, of the flexible packaging material conveyed. The introduction unit introduces the article to be packaged and the gas within the flexible packaging material. The transverse sealing unit seals the flexible packaging material in the transverse direction, perpendicular to the transport direction. The packaging method as recited in claim 11 is a packaging method for manufacturing a package wherein the items to be packaged and a gas are sealed in a flexible packaging material, wherein the package is manufactured in which an inert gas , which is the gas that has a lower temperature than the outside air, and food product, which is the item to be packaged are sealed. In this packaging method, a package is manufactured in where a gas having a temperature different from the outside air and the articles to be packaged are sealed. Accordingly, the thickness of the container can be adjusted by expanding or contracting the sealed gas, which is affected by the temperature of the outside air. For example, if the temperature of the sealed gas is lower than the outside air, the temperature of the gas rises with the passage of time. In addition, the thickness of the container can be increased by expanding the gas. Conversely, if the temperature of the sealed gas is greater than the outside air, then the temperature of the gas drops with the passage of time. In addition, the thickness of the container can be decreased by decreasing the volume of the gas. Accordingly, according to this packaging method, the thickness of the package can be adjusted by adjusting the temperature of the sealed gas. Therefore, according to this packaging method, the thickness of a bag can be adjusted with a simple configuration. In addition, the means for making the temperature of the sealed gas a different temperature than the outside air is not limited to directly adjusting the temperature of the sealed gas to a temperature different from the outside air, and may include indirectly adjusting the temperature of the gas by transmitting to the sealed gas the temperature of the flexible packaging material, the article to be packaged, and the like, adjusting this temperature. A packaging system as cited in the Claim 12 comprises a packaging apparatus, and a unit that modifies the temperature of the gas. The packaging apparatus produces a package in which an article to be packaged and a gas are sealed in a flexible packaging material. The unit that modifies the temperature of the gas is provided within the packaging apparatus or is provided separately from the packaging apparatus. The unit that changes the temperature of the gas changes the temperature of the gas before it is sealed in the container. In addition, the packaging apparatus produces the container wherein an inert gas, which is the gas having a lower temperature than the outside air, and a food product, which is the article to be packaged, are sealed. In this packaging system, a package is manufactured in which a gas having a temperature different from the outside air and the articles to be packaged are sealed. Accordingly, the thickness of the container can be adjusted by expanding or contracting the sealed gas, which is affected by the temperature of the outside air. For example, if the temperature of the sealed gas is lower than the outside air, the temperature of the gas rises with the passage of time. In addition, the thickness of the container can be increased by expanding the gas. Conversely, if the temperature of the sealed gas is greater than the outside air, the temperature of the gas drops with the passage of time. In addition, the thickness of the container can be reduced decreasing the volume of gas. In addition, according to this packaging system, the thickness of the container can be adjusted by adjusting the temperature of the sealed gas. Therefore, according to this packaging system, the thickness of a bag can be adjusted with a simple configuration. In addition, the unit that modifies the temperature of the gas that adjusts the temperature of the gas before it is sealed in the container is not limited to a medium that directly adjusts the temperature of the sealed gas to a temperature different from the outside air, and also includes a means that indirectly adjusts the temperature of the gas by transmitting to the sealed gas the temperature of the flexible packaging material, the article to be packaged, and the like, adjusting this temperature. The packaging system as recited in claim 13 is the packaging system as recited in claim 12, further comprising a thermal application unit. The thermal application unit performs the thermal application processing in the manufactured package. In this packaging system, the package can be inflated in a relatively short time by applying heat to a package in which cold air has been blown during the manufacture of the bag. The packaging system as cited in the Claim 14 is the packaging system as recited in claim 13, wherein the thermal application unit has a thermostatic chamber that heats the package.

In this packaging system, the package can be inflated by raising the temperature of the gas within the package by passing through the thermostatic chamber the package that leaves the packaging apparatus. The packaging system as recited in claim 15 is the packaging system as recited in claim 13, wherein the thermal application unit blows hot air into the package. In this packaging system, the thermal application unit blows hot air against the package, and the package can therefore be easily inflated by raising the temperature of the gas within the package. The packaging system as recited in claim 16 is the packaging system as cited in any claim of claim 13 to claim 15, which additionally comprises a post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing of the package. In this packaging system, a post-processing apparatus is placed which carries out the post-processing of the container; however, because the containers are generally inflated safely to a desired state by the unit thermal application, the processing in the postprocessing apparatus is facilitates. For example, if the post-processing apparatus is a seal checker that inspects whether the seal on the packaging apparatus is approved or is disapproved, then the package goes into a properly inflated state due to the thermal application unit for time that the package is transported to the stamp verifier; As a result, it is possible with the seal tester to always perform the inspection of the package in an inflated state. Accordingly, the efficiency of the post-processing apparatus can be improved, and therefore it is also possible to improve the operating relationship of the complete packaging system. The packaging system as recited in claim 17 is the packaging system as recited in claim 16, further comprising a control unit. The control unit controls the unit that modifies the temperature of the gas based on the detection information in the post-processing apparatus. In this packaging system, the detection information in the post-processing apparatus is sent to the control unit, and the control unit controls the unit that modifies the temperature of the gas based on this detection information. Because of this, the unit that modifies the gas temperature can do things so that the gas of an optimum temperature is sealed in the container, making it easy to carry out the processing in the post-processing apparatus. The packaging system as recited in claim 18 is the packaging system as recited in claim 16, further comprising the control unit. The control unit controls the thermal application unit based on the detection information in the post-processing apparatus. In this packaging system, the detection information in the post-processing apparatus is sent to the control unit, and the control unit controls the thermal application unit based on this detection information. By this, the thermal application unit can apply heat of an optimum temperature to the container, making the processing in the post-processing apparatus easier to perform.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is an exterior view of the vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus. Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of the vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus. Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of the trainer.

Figure 4 is a configuration diagram of the former, a gas supply unit, and a cooling unit. Figure 5 illustrates a portion of the packaging operation. Figure 6 is a control block diagram. Figure 7 is a control block diagram according to another embodiment. Figure 8 is a configuration diagram representing the packaging system according to the second embodiment. Figure 9 is a control block diagram of the packaging system according to the second embodiment.

PREFERRED MODALITIES FIRST MODALITY COMPLETE CONSTITUTION Figure 1 represents an exterior view of a vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1 is an apparatus that manufactures a product wherein the food products (eg, potato chips) are sealed in a bag together with an inert gas, such as nitrogen or argon. The vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1 manufactures a product by packaging a bag with food products and the like in conjunction with an inert gas and the like, while manufacturing the bag from a film, and then sealing the bag. In addition, the food products and the like fall after they are weighed in a weighing apparatus 2 provided above the vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1. Figure 2 represents the constitution of the vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1. The Vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1 mainly includes a bagging and packaging unit 3, which is the main body which packages the food products and the like in a bag, a film feeder 4 supplying this packaging unit and manufacture of bag 3 with a film F to be rotated in the bags, a gas supply unit 5 (reference to figure 4) that supplies the bagged gas together with the food products and the like, a cooling unit 6 (reference to figure 4) cooling this gas, and a control unit 7 (reference to figure 6) controlling each part.

CONSTITUTION OF THE FILM FEEDER 4 The film feeder 4 supplies the foil film F to a former 30 of the packaging unit and manufacture of bag 3, which is discussed later. A roll, on which the film F is rolled, is placed in this film feeder 4, and the film F is unwound from this roll.

CONSTITUTION OF THE PACKAGING AND BAG MANUFACTURING UNIT 3 The bagging and packaging unit 3 includes a former 30 which tubularly forms the film fed from the sheet F, descent band mechanisms 31 which convey the tubularly formed film Frac (subsequently , referred to as the tubular film Fmc) down, a longitudinal sealing mechanism 32 longitudinally sealing the overlapping portion of the tubular film Fmc, a transverse sealing mechanism 33 that closes the upper and lower ends of the bag by transversally sealing the tubular film Fmc, a pair of leveling parts 34 (reference to figure 5), and a discharge chute 35.

FORMER 30 The former 30 tubularly forms the film fed from the sheet F, and introduces the gas, and the food products and the like into the tubular film Fmc. The former 30 comprises a tube 300, and a tab 301, as shown in FIG. 3. Tube 300 is a cylindrical member, open at the upper and lower ends. The tube 300 is integrated with the flange 301 via a clamp (not shown). Because heavy food products and the like are fed from the weighing apparatus 2 into the upper end opening of this tube 300, the tube 300 is conical with a wider upper end opening. The lower end of the tube 300 sinks into the film F formed in a bag shape, and the food products and the like are introduced into the film F. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a long plate material 302 provides vertically on the inner side of the tube 300 extending from the vicinity of the upper part to the lower end of the tube 300, and a gas passage 303 is formed vertically extended between the plate material 302 and the inner surface of the tube 300. This gas passage 303 is for the purpose of replacing the air within the film in the form of a gas bag. The upper end of this gas passage 303 is closed by the flexure of the plate material 302 and its connection to the inner surface of the upper part of the tube 300. Furthermore, in the upper part of the tube 300, an inlet 304 is formed which it passes through to the upper part of the gas passage 303, and to which a gas supply pipe connects. The lower part of the gas passage 303 is opens and reaches the lower end of the tube 300. The flange 301 is arranged so as to encircle the tube 300. This flange 301 is formed so that the sheet film F fed from the film feeder 4 is tubularly formed when passing between the tab 301 and tube 300.

DESCENDING BAND MECHANISM 31 The lowering band mechanism 31 is a mechanism that applies suction to the film F wrapped around the tube 300, and transports the film F downwards. There are two mechanisms that are interposed to the tube 300, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3. The down band mechanism 31 mainly includes a drive roller 310, such as a follower roller 311, and a band 312 having a function of suction.

LONGITUDINAL SEALING MECHANISM 32 The longitudinal sealing mechanism 32 is a mechanism that longitudinally seals the superimposed portion of the film F wrapped around the tube 300 by heating the portion while pressing it against the tube 300 with a constant pressure. This longitudinal sealing mechanism 32 includes a heater (not shown), a heater strip (not shown) that is heated by the heater and makes contact with the superimposed portion of the film F, and the like.

TRANSVERSE SEALING MECHANISM 33 The transverse seal mechanism 33 is arranged below the former 30, the descent band mechanisms 31, and the longitudinal seal mechanism 32. The transverse seal mechanism 33 includes a pair of symmetrical seal jaws 330 , left-right as shown in Figure 5. The two sealing jaws 330 rotate in approximate D-shapes while mutually drawing the symmetrical trajectories T, and pressed together when transversally sealing the tubular film Fmc. In addition, a cutter (not shown) is constructed in the transverse sealing mechanism 33. The cutter cuts and separates the product B and the next tubular film Fmc in the central position of the portion is sealed by the sealing jaws 330. In addition, the transverse sealing mechanism 33 undulates the portion to be transversely sealed by interposing the tubular film Fmc between the sealing jaws 330, but the heat is necessary in addition to the pressure to effect the sealing. Accordingly, to apply heat to the contact surfaces of the sealing jaws 330 which contact the tubular film Fmc, a thermocouple thermometer with a built-in heater is attached to each sealing jaw 330.

LEVELING PARTS 34 Immediately before the sealing jaws 330 of the transverse sealing mechanism 33 transversally seal the tubular film Fmc, the pair of leveling parts 34 interpose from both sides and level the portion of the tubular film Fmc to be transversely sealed by the sealing jaws 330 of the transverse sealing mechanism 33 (later, referred to as a transverse seal portion), and the proximity of it. Each leveling part 34 is arranged below a sealing jaw 330, and both leveling parts 34 rotate in an approximate D shape while drawing mutually symmetrical T paths, the same shape as the two sealing jaws 330 of the sealing mechanism. transverse 33. The drive mechanism for this turning movement is provided by the same drive mechanism that drives the transverse sealing mechanism 33.

DISCHARGE RAMP 35 As shown in Figure 2, the discharge chute 35 is provided below the transverse sealing mechanism 33, and guides the product B cut and separated from the subsequent tubular film Fmc by means of the cutter of the transverse sealing mechanism 33 on a belt conveyor (not shown) that transports the product B to the downstream process. This discharge chute is sometimes similar to a slide made of a metal plate and the like, and uses gravity to guide the bag to the belt conveyor.

CONSTITUTION OF THE. GAS SUPPLY UNIT 5 The gas supply unit 5 is an apparatus that feeds an inert gas, such as nitrogen or argon, into the gas passage 303 of the former 30, and supplies the gas to the tubular film Fmc. As shown in Figure 4, the gas supply unit 5 includes a regulator 50, a flow meter 51, a connector 52, and hoses and the like that connect each of the parts. The regulator 50 is an apparatus that is connected to a gas cylinder filled with the gas, reduces the pressure of the gas that is discharged from the gas cylinder, and adjusts this pressure to a constant pressure. The gas depressurized by the regulator is then sent to the connector 52. The flow meter 51 is provided between the regulator 50 and the connector 52, and enables the operator and the like of the vertical bag making and packaging apparatus 1 to see the speed of gas flow sent to connector 52. Connector 52 is connects to the cooling unit 6, discussed later, the gas supply unit 5, and the former 30. In addition, the gas that was sent from the gas cylinder is first sent to the cooling unit 6, and the gas which returns cooled down then is sent to the trainer 30.

CONSTITUTION OF THE COOLING UNIT 6 The cooling unit 6 cools the gas sent to the tubular film Fmc via the gas passage 303 of the former 30. The cooling unit 6 cools the gas sent from the gas cylinder via the connector 52 to a lower temperature than the outside air, and then sends it once again to the gas passage 303 of the former 30 via the connector 52. Further, the cooling unit 6 is provided with an adjustment knob 60, and the cooling temperature of the gas can be adjusted by manually rotating the adjustment knob 60. In addition, the connector 52 has a double structure; the gas before cooling and the gas after cooling are divided and sent respectively through separate passages.

CONSTITUTION OF CONTROL UNIT 7 As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 7 is connected to the film feeder 4 and the bagging and packaging unit 3 of the packaging apparatus and vertical bag making 1, and controls the operation of all pulse units. The control unit 7 controls the rotational speed of the sealing jaws 330 and the leveling parts 34 of the transverse sealing mechanism 33, and the operation of pressing the sealing jaws 330 against the tubular film Fmc, according to the speed downstream feeding of the tubular film Fmc by the drop band mechanisms 31. In addition, the control unit 7 controls the operation of each pulse unit of the vertical bag making and packaging apparatus 1 based on the content of an input of an operation switch 8 (reference to figure 1), and displays various information on a liquid crystal display 9 (reference to figure 1).

OPERATION OVERVIEW OF THE OPERATION OF THE PACKAGING APPARATUS AND MANUFACTURE OF VERTICAL BAG 1 The following explains an overview of the operation of the vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1, based primarily on Figure 2. The sheet film F sent from the film feeder 4 to former 30 is tubularly formed by being wound around tube 300 and the tab 301, and then transported downward in this state by the down band mechanisms 31. In addition, both end portions are superimposed on the circumferential surface while the film F is wound around the tube 300, and this superimposed portion is longitudinally sealed by the longitudinal sealing mechanism 32. The tubular film Fmc which has been longitudinally sealed and cylindrically formed is detached from the tube 30C and descends to the transverse sealing mechanism 33. In this time, the position of the tubular film Fmc is indicated by the double line line. further, simultaneously with the movement of the tubular film Fmc at this time, a group of food products and the like fall from the weighing apparatus 2 through the tube 300. Furthermore, in parallel with the fall of the food products downwards, the gas which it has been cooled by the cooling unit 6 to a prescribed temperature is supplied to the tubular film Fmc through the gas passage 303. The supply of the gas will be explained based on figure 4. The gas discharged from the gas cylinder is sent to the regulator 50 through a hose. The gas is depressurized in the regulator 50, adjusted to a constant pressure, and sent to the connector 52 (the arrow Al and the arrow A2). In addition, the operator of the vertical bag making and packaging apparatus 1 can see the flow meter 51 and pre-adjust the flow velocity of the gas sent to the connector 52. The gas is sent through the connector 52 to the cooling unit 6. , and it cools (arrow A3). Further, the operator of the vertical bagging and packaging apparatus 1 can adjust the cooling temperature previously by the adjustment knob 60 of the cooling unit 6. The cooled gas is sent to the former 30 (arrow A), goes to through the gas passageway 303 (the arrow A5), and discharged from the tip of the former 30 in the tubular film Fmc. When the tubular film Fmc is filled with gas, and food products and the like, the tubular film Fmc is sealed, and thus a bag is formed. The operation at this time will be explained based on Figure 5. The lower end and upper end portions of the bag are transversally sealed consecutively in the transverse sealing mechanism 33 in a state where the foodstuffs and the like, and the gas at a lower temperature than the outside air are present inside the tubular film Fmc. In addition, immediately before the transversal sealing, the leveling process is carried out, which levels the portion to be tubularly sealed transversely, and the proximity of the same. The sealing jaws 330 and the leveling portions 34 of the transverse sealing mechanism 33 rotate along the approximately T-shaped trajectories. In addition, in the first half of a linear path portion of the approximately D-shaped trajectories T, the ironing parts 34 press the food products and the like downwards by leveling the transverse seal portion and the portion in the vicinity of same. . Further, in the last half of the linear path portion of the approximately D-shaped trajectories T, the sealing jaws 330 are interposed to the transverse seal portion of the tubular film Fmc, and the transverse seal portion is heat sealed by means of heat and pressure. At this time, the cutters constructed in the sealing jaws 330 simultaneously perform cutting processing. The cutters substantially cut the center of the transverse seal portion. Therefore, the bag is cut from the next tubular film Fmc, and separated as product B. The separated product B slides down the discharge chute 35 on the belt conveyor, and is transported to an apparatus, such as a verifier, in the process downstream. The product B manufactured in this way is sealed with foodstuffs and the like, and gas having a lower temperature than the outside air. Therefore, the The temperature of the gas inside the product B rises extra time due to the effect of the temperature of the outside air, and therefore the gas expands. When the gas expands, the product B is inflated, thus increasing its thickness. By doing so, a sufficiently inflated product B is manufactured.

FEATURES [1] In this vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1, the thickness of the product B to be manufactured can be adjusted by adjusting the temperature of the gas cooled by the cooling unit 6. In other words, the temperature of the gas cooled with which the bag fills up due to the effect of the outside air temperature. The gas whose temperature has risen expands, thereby increasing its volume. The bag filled with gas, and food products and the like is sealed, and accompanying inflates with the increase in gas volume. Accordingly, the thickness of product B is increased. In addition, to further increase the thickness of product B, the gas of the same volume should be cooled to a lower temperature, and the bag should then be sealed; if it is desired to suppress an increase in the thickness of the product B, then the cooling temperature of the gas should be raised in reverse. Accordingly, by adjusting the cooling temperature of the gas when the tubular film Fmc is filled, the vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1 can adjust the amount of change in gas volume after the bag is filled, and can therefore adjust the thickness of product B. [2] If leveling processing is performed where the transverse seal portion of the tubular film mc is leveled immediately before the transverse seal, then it is possible to prevent food products and the like from being interspersed in the seal portion, which could result in a defective product. However, if such leveling processing is performed, in a conventional packaging apparatus, then the gas unfortunately escapes from between the transverse seal portion and the leveling parts 34, making it difficult to manufacture a sufficiently inflated product B. However, according to this vertical bag 1 packaging and manufacturing apparatus, the cooled gas expands after the product B is manufactured and the product B can thus be inflated, even if the gas partially escapes during the process of leveling Accordingly, this vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1 can manufacture a sufficiently inflated product B while preventing food products and the like from being caught with leveling processing. [3] This vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1 can adjust the thickness of the product B simply by passing the gas sent to the tubular film Fmc through the cooling unit 6. Accordingly, the thickness of the product B can be adjusted for a simple configuration to cool the gas. For example, compared to the case where a mechanism for removing gas is provided, such as the air outlet plate in the packaging apparatus as described in Japanese Published Patent Application No. 11-171110, such mechanism is not necessary, and the thickness can be adjusted with a simple setting by adjusting the temperature. In addition, compared to the case where the gas injection is divided into an initial injection of a small amount and an injection later as in the packaging apparatus described in Japanese Published Patent Application No. 11-292019, the control in The vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1 is simple, and is realized simply by regulating the cooling temperature of the cooling unit. [4] In this vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1, the process for removing the gas to adjust the thickness of the product B is not necessary, and the manufacturing speed of the product B can thereby be increased. In addition, the operation ratio can be improved together with the increased manufacturing speed of the product B. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the operator to perform the operation of removing the gas from the bag to adjust the thickness of the product B, and the obligation on the operator can be lightened.

SECOND MODALITY CONSTITUTION OF THE PACKAGING SYSTEM In addition to the constitution of the vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1 (the packaging apparatus) described in the first embodiment, a packaging system 100 of the present embodiment includes a thermostatic chamber 11 (the application unit). thermal) and a seal checker 10 (the post-processing apparatus), as shown in Figure 8. Furthermore, only a portion of the constitution of the vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1 is illustrated in Figure 8 for facilitate understanding. The thermostatic chamber 11 applies heat to the product B (the package) manufactured by the vertical bag making and packaging apparatus 1, so that the gas sealed within the product B expands, thus inflating the product B. The interior of the chamber Thermostat 11 is maintained at a prescribed temperature greater than that of the external temperature. The product B is heated by passing through the interior of the thermostatic chamber 11. Consequently, the gas sealed inside the product B is heated to a temperature about the same level as the outside air in a short time. In addition, instead of the thermostatic chamber 11 shown in FIG. 8, it is also possible to adopt a hot air jet which applies heat to the product B by blowing hot air against the product B. The seal verifier 10 is a mechanism that checks whether the The product seal B manufactured in the vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1 is defective, and mainly includes a servomotor 10a, a pressing member 10b, and the like. The servomotor 10a places the pressing member 10b in contact with the product B, and moves the pressing member 10b away from the product B. The pressing member 10b presses the product B through the servomotor 10a which puts the pressing member 10b in contact with the product B. When the pressing member 10b presses the product B, the seal verifier 10 detects the height of the bag of the product B (the thickness of the product B), and determines whether the seal is defective based on the amount of change in the detected value. In addition, the detection information related to the height of the bag of the product B detected by the seal verifier 10 is sent to the control unit 7 (reference to figure 9) which handles the control of the packaging and bag making apparatus. vertical 1 and the thermostatic chamber 11. The control unit 7 shown in figure 9 controls the cooling unit 6 and the thermostatic chamber 11 based on the detection information in the seal checker 10. In other words, taking into consideration the ease of performing the verification operation with the seal checker 10, the control unit 7 controls the cooling temperature of the gas by the cooling unit 6 (the unit that modifies the temperature of the gas) based on the detection information in the seal checker 10 so that the height of the bag of the product B is optimized. In addition, the cooling unit 6 at this point is constituted substantially the same as the cooling unit 6 in the first embodiment, but can automatically adjust the amount of gas by a pulse mechanism, such as a motor, and can adjust the amount of gas by the control unit 7 controlling the pulse mechanism. Further, taking into consideration the ease of the verification operation in the seal checker 10, the control unit 7 controls the thermostatic chamber 11 based on the detection information in the seal checker 10. If the hot air jet is used instead of the thermostatic chamber 11, then the control unit 7 controls the temperature of the hot air blown against the product B based on the detection information in the seal tester 10. Additionally, the control unit 7 also it may be one in which all temperatures are provided separately and connected by a communication line, or they may be constituted by separately arranged independent control units in each apparatus and a central control unit which provides complete central control of the unit of control. control of each of the devices.

OPERATION OF THE PACKAGING SYSTEM The following explains a general principle of the packaging operation by the packaging system 100, based on Figure 8. First, the same as in the first embodiment, the product B is manufactured by the packaging apparatus and vertical bag making 1 wherein foodstuffs and the like, and gas at a lower temperature than outside air are sealed inside a bag. The product B separated from the subsequent film F is discharged from the vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1, and transported to the thermostatic chamber 11 by the CV belt conveyors. The product B conveyor to the thermostatic chamber 11 is heated as it passes through the interior of the thermostatic chamber 11. In addition, the heating of the product B promotes the expansion of the gas sealed in the product B. Therefore, the gas within the product B it is heated to a temperature close to the outside temperature in a short time, and the product B is inflated to the desired state as it passes through the thermostatic chamber 11. By this, the height of the appropriate product B is obtained. The product B discharged from the thermostatic chamber 11 is transported to the seal checker 10 by the CV belt conveyors. The seal checker 10 checks if there is a seal defect in the product B by comparing the amount of change in the height of the bag of the product B with a standard value when the product B is pressed by the pressing member 10b. If product B is an appropriate product, then processing is carried out such as further transportation of product B, packaging it in a box, and the like. Even in the post-processing similar to packaging, it is easy to process the product B that has passed through the thermostatic chamber 11 and is already at an appropriate height. In addition, the detection information related to the height of the product bag B detected by the seal tester 10 is transmitted to the control unit 7, and is used in the feedback control of the cooling unit 6 and the thermostatic chamber 11. By this, the temperature in the cooling unit 6 and the thermostatic chamber 11 is appropriately more controlled.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PACKAGING SYSTEM [1] In this packaging system 100, the thermostatic chamber 11 is provided between the vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus and the seal verifier 10, and the product B is heated while being transported between the apparatus of packaging and vertical bag making 1 and the seal verifier 10. Accordingly, the product B can be inflated in a short time at the height of the desired bag by the time it is conveyed to the seal checker 10. Therefore, in this packaging system 100, the product B, whose height becomes appropriate, can be easily processed comparatively with few errors in the seal tester 10 and other post-processing apparatuses after the packaging processing and bag making, enabling hence an improvement in the operating relationship of the production line of the vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1 and the like. [2] Because this packaging system 100 is provided with the seal verifier 10 as a post-processing apparatus that performs the post-processing on the product B, it is possible to quickly obtain similar data at the height of the bag of the product B in an inflated state after it has been applied from the thermostatic chamber 11.

Furthermore, in this packaging system 100, the seal defect detection information in the seal checker 10 is sent to the control unit 7, and the control unit 7 controls the thermostatic chamber 11 and the cooling unit 6 based in this detection information. By this, it is possible to perform the most appropriate control of the thermostatic chamber 11 and the cooling unit 6.

OTHER MODALITIES [A] In the first embodiment mentioned above, the gas is cooled through the cooling unit 6 before it is sent to the former 30; however, it is also acceptable to provide a mechanism that cools the gas passage 303 of the former 30, and cool the gas when it passes through the gas passage 303. [B] In the aforementioned first embodiment, the gas is directly cooled by the cooling unit 6, but the gas can also be cooled indirectly. In other words, it is also acceptable to cool the gas by cooling an object that is in contact with the gas, and then transmitting the temperature of this object to the gas. For example, the gas within the bag can be cooled by cooling the food products and the like with which the bag is filled, by cooling the film F before and after forming tubularly the film F with the former 30, and so on. [C] In the first embodiment mentioned above, the gas is introduced into the tubular film Fmc after it is cooled; however, it is also acceptable to reverse the order of cooling the gas with the introduction into the tubular film Fmc. In other words, it is also acceptable to first introduce the gas at room temperature into the tubular film Fmc, then to cool the gas for each tubular film Fmc, and subsequently to seal the tubular film Fmc. Even if product B is manufactured in this order, it is possible to manufacture product B where gas having a temperature different from outside air is sealed. [D] In the first embodiment mentioned above, the cooling of the gas inflates the product B; however, it is also possible to reverse the product B by heating the gas. In addition, it is also possible to flexibly increase and decrease the thickness of product B using both cooling and heating. [E] In the aforementioned first embodiment, it is also acceptable for the control unit 7 to control the gas supply unit 5 and the cooling unit 6, making it possible to automatically control the temperature and the amount of gas discharge, as shown in figure 7. In this case, the thickness of product B is controlled controlling the temperature and the amount of gas discharge, taking into consideration the size of the bag being manufactured, the size and shape of the food products and the like with which the bag is filled, and the temperature of the outside air. Therefore, the thickness of the product B can be controlled automatically. [F] In the first embodiment mentioned above, the vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1 used by the present invention bags the food products and the like in conjunction with gas and the like while making the bag of the film F; however, the present invention can also be used in a bag packaging and feeding apparatus that supplies pre-made bags, and seals those bags with food and the like, and gas. [G] In the aforementioned second embodiment, the gas supply unit 5 and the cooling unit 6 are treated as a part of the vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1; however, it is also possible to treat them as external to the vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1 or separate from the vertical bag packaging and manufacturing apparatus 1 if it is a cooled gas supply apparatus (gas supply unit 5, gas supply unit 5). cooling 6).

INDUSTRIAL FIELD OF APPLICATION If the packaging apparatus and packaging method according to the present invention are used, then it is possible to adjust the thickness of a package with a simple configuration. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the contents of the following claims are claimed as property:

1. Packaging apparatus that manufactures a container wherein an article to be packaged and a gas are sealed in a flexible packaging material, characterized in that the container is manufactured in which an inert gas, which is the gas having a lower temperature than the outside air, and food product, which is the item to be packaged, are sealed.

2. Packing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: a unit that modifies the temperature of the gas that changes the temperature of the gas.

3. Packing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: a unit that modifies the temperature of the gas that changes the temperature of the gas by changing the temperature of the article to be packaged. . Packaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: a unit that modifies the temperature of the gas that changes the temperature of the gas by changing the temperature of the gas flexible packaging material. Packaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: an introduction unit that introduces the article to be packaged and the gas into the flexible packaging material; and a unit that modifies the temperature of the gas that changes the temperature of the gas by changing the temperature of the introduction unit. Packaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: a forming unit that tubularly forms the flexible packaging material, and introduces the article to be packaged and the gas into the tubularly formed flexible packaging material; and a unit that modifies the temperature of the gas that changes the temperature of the gas by changing the temperature of the formation unit. 7. Packaging apparatus according to any claim of claim 1 to claim 6, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a control unit that controls the temperature and quantity of the gas. 8. Packaging apparatus according to any claim of claim 1 to claim 7, characterized in that: the gas sealed inside the flexible packaging material has a lower temperature than the outside air. Packaging apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a sealing unit that hermetically seals the flexible packaging material by sealing the tubularly formed flexible packaging material; and a pair of leveling parts that level a portion of the flexible packaging material to be sealed, a closeness thereof. Packaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: a transport unit that transports the flexible packaging material tubularly formed downwards; a longitudinal sealing unit that seals a longitudinal edge, parallel to the transport direction, of the flexible packaging material conveyed; an introduction unit that introduces the article to be packaged and the gas within the flexible packaging material; and a transverse sealing unit that seals the flexible packaging material in the transverse direction, perpendicular to the transport direction. 11. Method of packaging to manufacture a container wherein an article to be packaged and a gas are sealed in a flexible packaging material, characterized in that: the container is manufactured in which an inert gas, which is the gas having a temperature Less than the outside air, and food product, which is the item to be packaged are sealed. Packaging system, characterized in that it comprises: a packaging apparatus that produces a package in which an article to be packaged and a gas are sealed in a flexible packaging material; and a unit that modifies the temperature of the gas provided within the packaging apparatus or provided separately from the packaging apparatus, and that changes the temperature of the gas before it is sealed in the container; wherein, the packaging apparatus produces the container in which an inert gas, which is the gas having a lower temperature than the outside air, and a food product, which is the article to be packaged are sealed. Packaging system according to claim 12, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a thermal application unit that performs the thermal application processing in the manufactured container. Packaging system according to claim 13, characterized in that the thermal application unit has a thermostatic chamber that heats the container. Packaging system according to claim 13, characterized in that the thermal application unit blows hot air onto the container. Packaging system according to any claim of claim 13 to claim 15, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing of the package. Packaging system according to claim 16, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a control unit that controls the unit that modifies the temperature of the gas based on the detection information in the post-processing apparatus. 18. Packaging system according to claim 16, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a control unit that controls the thermal application unit based on the detection information of the post-processing apparatus.